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Something’s Brewing Over the Hudson: In Jersey City with Rime, Post, Li Hill, Sean Lugo, SP.One, Mata Ruda, LNY, Enoe and more to come

June 27, 2014

On my recent visit to Jersey City, Gregory D. Edgell aka the Green Villain gave me a tour of some of the city’s first-rate graffiti murals, including a number of recent ones that he had facilitated. Upon further exploration, I came upon some amazing street art walls. What follows are samples of both and a brief conversation with Greg:

What brought you to Jersey City? And when did you first come here?

I moved here in 2009. My best friend – at the time – had moved into a huge warehouse that seemed like the ideal venue for artistic expression. And that’s what brought me here.

What changes have you observed since moving here?

Jersey City is increasingly attracting more artists and is slowly developing a street art culture, but there are still far too many blank walls.

Where do you think it’s all going?

Jersey City has the potential to be just as creative as any neighborhood in NYC. It could even be more so, as it’s not as expensive. Within the next five years, this will happen!

Mana Contemporary has certainly enhanced Jersey City with its studios, exhibition spaces and more. And soon it will be launching the Mana Museum of Urban Arts, the world’s first permanent space dedicated to street art and graffiti. Any thoughts about that?

I think it’s amazing and particularly wonderful for the global street art and graffiti community, as Mana Contemporary has the backing to create a first-rate educational platform for this art form.

And what’s ahead for you?

I am currently facilitating a series of murals by some first-rate artists. Among them are: Sheryo & the Yok, Rubin, Jerkface, Mr. Mustart and Distort & Then One.

That sounds great! We’re looking forward to seeing them — as Jersey City is just minutes away from Manhattan!

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky

1. Rime aka Jersey Joe

2. Post

3. Li Hill

4. Mata Ruda and LNY

5. Sean Lugo

6. SP.One

7. Enoe

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Up in Inwood with Crane, Zeso, 1port and Just WF

June 26, 2014

One of Upper Manhattan’s gems is the wall on 207^th Street and 10^th Avenue, directly off the 207^th Street stop on the 1 line. Under the direction of South Bronx native Crane, who works up in Inwood, its murals are always changing and always worth checking out. This past Monday, Crane was joined by Zeso, 1port — in from France — and Just WF aka Just One. Here are some more images captured that day:

Crane at work early in the evening — after a day of work

1port at work adding his touch to Zeso,’s mural

1port

Just WF

A source of pride to local businesses and residents, this wall is one of three in Inwood under Crane’s curatorial management.

Photos 1 and 3 by City-as-School intern Travis Hicks; photos 2, 4, and 5 by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Shiro

June 25, 2014

Huge fans of Shiro’s vibrant, playful aesthetic, we were delighted to meet up with her this past week at SoHo’s gallery nine5, where she will be participating in the gallery’s summer show, GROUP INK.

When and where did you first get up?

Back in 1998 in Shizuoka, Japan.

What inspired you at the time?

I remember seeing a video with graffiti as the backdrop. I was impressed! And soon after, I saw the movie Wild Style.

Any early memories stand out?

I remember having to create my own tools. I couldn’t get hold of any spray paint in aerosol cans at the time, and so I had to be inventive. I mostly used hair spray and mosquito spray containers that I filled with paint.

How did your family feel about what you were doing?

At the time my mother didn’t understand it, but now she appreciates it.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

When I am in NYC, 100%. But back in Japan, I work as a nurse, and I can’t devote as much time to my art as I would like to.

Wow! A nurse and a graffiti writer!

Yes, a nurse heals, and so does art.

Have you exhibited your work in galleries?

I’ve shown my work in galleries in the U.S., Germany and Japan. And I’ve participated in projects in India, China, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Have you any thoughts about the movement of graffiti and street art into galleries?

I’d rather paint on a wall than on a canvas. But when I create work for galleries, I learn and perfect new techniques.

What inspires you these days?

I’m inspired by my own experiences in different situations…and by my imagination. In my art I can be anything!

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

The entire graffiti and hip-hop culture, along with, I suppose, my Japanese roots.

What is the riskiest thing you ever did?

I hadn’t planned it to be risky. But back in 2002, I found a deserted wall in Forest Hills, Queens that I thought would be the perfect canvas for me. As I began painting, a group of boys suddenly appeared and stole my spray paint. One of them had a gun. Soon they were hurling stones and although they weren’t aiming the stones at me, some rocks did hit me and injured me.

Gee, that sounds traumatizing. Do you generally paint alone?

I love painting alone. I am very independent! But I’ve also painted with crews and collaborated with other writers.

What are some of the crews you’ve painted with?

TDS (The Death Squad), SUG (Stick Up Girlz), FX and UZNJ (Universal Zulu Nation Japan)

What’s it like being a female writer in what is so much of a man’s world?

I forget about gender when I’m painting. It’s irrelevant.

Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you just let it flow?

Sometimes I work with a sketch; other times I just let it flow.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

I mostly feel very happy with it!

How has your work evolved through the years?

It is more detailed, and I paint more quickly. I’ve developed much better can control than I had earlier.

What’s ahead?

I just got my artist’s visa, and so I’m looking forward to spending more time here. I will just go with the flow!

Note: Shiro will be participating in gallery nine5‘s summer show, GROUP INK. Along with TATS CRU, Bisco Smith, Alan Ket, Vor138 and Rubin415, she will be transforming the private space over at 24 Spring Street into a public one. It all begins today, Wednesday, June 25 with TATS and bare walls! Keep posted to our Facebook page for updates.

Photos: 1. Welling Court Mural Project, Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2. 5Pointz, Tara Murray; 3. With Sans, Tone and Yes One in Greenpoint, Dani Reyes Mozeson 4. With Meres and Demer at 5Pointz, Dani Reyes Mozeson & 5. On uptown wall with Ree on right in Inwood, Lois Stavsky

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Florida-Based Boy Kong Brings His Playful Aesthetic to NYC Streets and to the Cotton Candy Machine

June 24, 2014

Orlando, Florida-based artist Boy Kong recently left his mark in NYC. His delightfully fanciful aesthetic has made its way to the exterior of rag & bone on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan and to the shutter at 175 Roebling Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A selection of his distinctly crafted individual pieces can also be seen at Cotton Candy Machine, 235 South 1^st Street in Williamsburg, through this week.

On Roebling Street in Williamsburg

And a sampling of what’s on view at at Cotton Candy Machine

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Ad Hoc Art’s Fifth Annual Welling Court Mural Project — Part II: Cern, R. Robot, KR One, Ryan Seslow & Cake, Mr. Prvrt and See One

June 23, 2014

Following are a few more images from Ad Hoc Art’‘s wonderful Fifth Annual Welling Court Mural Project, along with a brief interview with its director, Garrison Buxton.

Can you tell us something about the birth of the Welling Court Mural Project? When and how did it all begin?

Jonathan Ellis, a Welling Court resident, came up with the idea for the project over five years ago. He had his wife, Georgiana, were looking to improve their block. We were introduced through a mutual friend who suggested they contact me.

What was the first mural to go up? And when was the first festival held?

While visiting from Poland in 2009, M-City painted Welling Court’s first mural. The first festival was held in June 2009.

What was the community’s response to it?

The response was wonderful. The entire community participated and loved it. Just about everyone prepared food to share and loved how the artists transformed their neighborhood.

And now five years later, it’s even more wonderful than ever.

Yes, when we first began, 44 artists participated. This year there are over twice as many, including members of the community. We’ve continued to keep it grassroots.

How far in advance do you begin organizing each year’s festival?

We usually start in February, but we want to begin planning earlier.

What would you say is your greatest challenge?

The mere organization and the delegation of the different responsibilities.

The vibe here is wonderful. What a great model you are for other communities!

Yes! It’s about the power of art to create positive social change.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

1. Cern

2. R. Nicholas Kuszyk aka R. Robot

3. Louie “KR.ONE” Gasparro

4. Ryan Seslow and Jennifer Caviola aka Cake

5. Mr. Prvrt

6. See One

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Legendary Writer George “SEN One” Morillo Pays Tribute to Upper West Side’s 80’s Graff on Cover Design for Time Out New York

June 20, 2014

Born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, George “SEN One” Morillo first got up in his neighborhood in 1980. Soon afterwards, he began painting subway trains on Manhattan’s No. 1 line and became a member of IBM (Incredible Bombing Masters), one of NYC’s most celebrated graffiti crews. When asked to design an original cover for Time Out New York, SEN One painted a tribute to that era.

In his studio with painting on canvas

And here’s a sampling of some more of SEN One’s tributes to that era:

To Kill A Red Bird, 2012, a recreation of a piece done on a NYC wall back in 1985

My First Love, 2012, based on the first train SEN One ever did with “POKE” and Joey aka “TEL” in 1982

If you are interested in viewing and purchasing some of SEN One’s artwork, he is conducting an Open House at his art studio through the end of this month. For further information, you can contact the artist at ArawakMedia@gmail.com.

Images courtesy of Time Out New York and the artist

FROM STREET TO ART to Open Tomorrow, June 20, at Italian Cultural Institute of New York with BR1, Agostino Iacurci, Sten&Lex and more

June 19, 2014

Opening tomorrow evening, June 20, at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, 686 Park Avenue, is an exhibit of artwork by 10 of Italy’s best contemporary artists who, also, maintain a huge presence on the streets. Curated by Simone Pallotta, it is the first collective exhibit of work by Italian street artists here in NYC.

Here is a sampling of the art on the streets:

BR1

Agostino Iacurci

Sten&Lex

Dem

Also featured are works by Aris, Cyop&Kaf, Eron, Hitnes, Ufo5 and 2501. FROM STREET TO ART opens at 6pm tomorrow at 686 Park Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and continues through August 20, 2014.

All images courtesy Simone Pallotta

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Speaking with Dublin-Based Street Artist Solus

June 17, 2014

Based in Dublin, Ireland, Solus returned earlier this month to the the Bushwick Collective to participate in its annual block party and to share his aesthetic vision with us. We also had the opportunity to find out a bit about him:

When and where did you first get up?

About seven years ago I started doing illegal stencils around Dublin.

What inspired you at the time?

I was working at a job that I hated. I thought that’s what everyone does! But I knew that I needed to make a change in my life. I was on a very self-destructive path. And so I started creating stencil art and never stopped. Street art saved my life!

Were you influenced or inspired by any particular artists?

Maser was, probably, my biggest inspiration, along with Will St Leger. They were very prolific around Dublin at the time.

Have you any preferred surfaces or spots?

Obviously flat surfaces are better in high-traffic spots.

How do you feel about the graffiti/street art divide?

I don’t think about it. It’s not relevant. I just do what I love. But I’ve always been a huge fan of the TDA Klann, Ireland’s premier graffiti crew.

Your work has been exhibited in galleries world-wide and your new solo show is about to open in Montreal. Any thoughts about the movement of street art into galleries?

I think it is a good thing that it is being recognized as art and that people want to purchase it. I generally feel a little out of place at gallery shows because most of the time my clothes are covered in paint. I prefer being at the studio or tackling a wall.

Have you any other source of income these days?

I earn money from prints, canvases and commissions. I put all the money I make back into my artwork.

How do you feel about the increasing linkage between the street art world and the corporate world?

Only time will tell. It has become so mainstream that it may become oversaturated.

Why do you suppose graffiti is held in higher esteem in Europe than it is here in the States?

Probably because here in the U.S., it is associated with vandalism.

What inspires you these days?

The concept of a boy in a man’s world, punching above his weight and being victorious against all odds.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

After visiting Korea, I did a series of works influenced by what I’d seen and experienced there.

Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you just let it flow?

I work with a sketch or a photo.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

Increasingly so. But when I look back at what I did even one year ago, I feel I could have done better.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

100% of my time; it’s a 24/7 gig!

Any other interests?

Traveling. I’d love to paint everywhere!

Have you any favorite cities?

New York. There’s something in the air here. And it’s very competitive. I’d love to live here!

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

It’s the most important role one can have! Art makes people feel good, and it makes people think!

Note: Solus’s solo exhibit UNDERDOG opens this Thursday, June 19, at the Clark Street Mercantile in Montreal, Canada.

Photo credits: 1, 4 & 6. Lois Stavsky; 2 & 3. Courtesy of the artist; 5. Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Ad Hoc Art’s Fifth Annual Welling Court Mural Project — Part 1: Cekis, Alice Mizrachi, John Ahearn, Icy & Sot, LMNOP, KingBee and Toofly

June 15, 2014

Engaging a diverse array of artists, along with local residents — including dozens of children — the Welling Court Mural Project represents the best of the street art fests. Here are a few more images captured yesterday, as it celebrated its fifth year at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens:

Alice Mizrachi aka AM

Making Art

John Ahearn with a temporary addition to mural created earlier by Dennis McNett

Icy and Sot

LMNOP

The Royal KingBee

Toofly

Check back here later in the week for Part II of this post and a brief interview with Ad Hoc Art’s director, Garrison Buxton.

First image is of Nelson Rivas aka Cekis at work; photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

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Sek3 on Succulent Studios, PALABRA, What’s Ahead and more

June 13, 2014

A 3000 sq. foot gallery and performance space housed on the 5^th floor of 67 West Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Succulent Studios opened earlier this year with an exhibit featuring over 30 artists of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Currently on exhibit — through June 21 — is PALABRA, an installation-based show featuring works by Rubin, Sek3, Iena Cruz, Beau Stanton, El Sol 25, S. Rose, Katie Balloons and Michael Alan. On a recent visit, I had the opportunity to speak to its owner and founder, Sek3.

Could you tell us something about the birth of Succulent Studios? What motivated you to launch this space? It is quite remarkable.

The idea was born in Miami at Art Basel back in December. Cern, Cekis, Bisc, Stefano Alcantara and I had set up a pop-up show in Wynwood. It was so successful – with one of my paintings selling the very first day — that I decided I wanted to continue doing shows back in NYC. Cern introduced me to Daniel Weintraub, who soon took on the role of Creative Director. I see street art as the last vestige of originality and this space as the ideal venue for street artists to bring their visions inside.

Folks are still talking about your Inaugural Show that opened in early spring.

Yes, it was amazing! More successful that I could have imagined! 33 artists – including legendary writers like Daze and Ket — were represented. A piece by Old School writer FIB was sold raising $800 for dog shelters — with an additional $200 donated by Succulent Studios. And despite heavy rains, thunderous storms and issues with public transportation, hundreds of people showed up.

What about your current exhibit? What is the concept behind PALABRA?

It is installation-based with each artist given a particular section to engage in any way he or she pleases.

How has the response to this exhibit been?

It’s been tremendous with lots of media coverage and great sales.

What would you say has been your greatest challenge?

The sheer amount of work that running this space requires. It’s a 24-hour day job. I need to hire someone just to sleep!

What’s ahead?

There will be a closing party for PALABRA next Saturday evening — June 21 at 7pm — presenting The Living Installation by Michael Alan. And then the following week we will be exhibiting a selection of murals created for Governors Ball. Much more in the months ahead including a show featuring the artwork of fine artists Akira Beard and Jaclyn Alderete and more exhibits with works by street artists. There will also be projects and classes that will directly engage members of the local community.

It sounds great! Good luck!

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky; photo info: 1. Sek3 2. S. Rose 3. Rubin 4. Beau Stanton 5. Iena Cruz

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